Unreliable Witness
Bob was in grade seven and thought of as a “trouble-maker” by his teachers. John, viewed as an ‘ideal” student, punched Bob in the face. Bob grabbed John and was about to strike him when a Ms. Khan (a student teacher) witnessed came into view and yelled, “Stop!” Ms. Khan immediately halted the altercation and ushered the two boys to the principal’s office. The principal, based on the teacher’s account, gave Bob a three-day suspension for fighting. Years later as a student teacher, Bob reflects on this injustice. He considers all sides as he revisits the situation.
By engaging in the analysis of this Ted-Viv vignette, teacher candidates will:
Reflect on their personal views and professional responsibilities in relation to reporting and responding to student conduct and safety issues.
Review school codes of conduct, as well as policies and procedures concerning violence and appropriate investigative approaches
Develop insights into bias, fairness and the limits of knowing.
Bias, School safety, Student conduct, policy, knowledge gathering, questioning bias and misconceptions, ethics, communication.
Education Law and Standards of Practice
Safe and Accepting Schools/Creation of a Positive School Climate
Practicum
Please access the vignette transcript document here: TEd-ViV Case 8_ Unreliable Witness Transcript pdf